Keegan Andrew Emsland

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Keegan Andrew Emsland, who died peacefully on June 26, 2025, in Kamloops, B.C., surrounded by his loving family. He was 25 years old.

Keegan’s name, of Gaelic origin, means “small fiery one,” and he truly lived up to it — with passion, courage, and a spark that lit up every room he entered.

Born on August 8, 1999, at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, Keegan was a vibrant, kind, and driven young man. He spent most of his life in Kamloops, with two meaningful years abroad in Germany pursuing his education and exploring life beyond borders.

He attended Dufferin and Dallas Elementary Schools, graduated from Valleyview Secondary, and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University. He also studied at Bamberg University in Germany. Always striving to grow and achieve, Keegan earned both his Class 1 driver’s license and his private pilot’s license, and was working toward his commercial pilot’s license when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Despite the challenges of his illness, Keegan lived each day with incredible strength, positivity, and joy. He refused to let his diagnosis define him. His passions included working on his car, cooking, and spending time outdoors. He loved camping and sitting by a fire under the stars, as well as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing, snowboarding, car shows, and drag racing.

Keegan is survived by his loving parents, Christopher and Holly Emsland; his siblings Kevin (McKenzie) and Kylie (Cole); and his cherished girlfriend, Rachael. He will also be dearly missed by his grandparents Dale and Harvey Hutchings and Theresa Emsland; his extended family Auntie Heather, Uncle Harry, Heath, Auntie Jackie, Uncle Dave, Danielle (Tristan), Devon (Eunmee), Auntie Lori, Uncle Shawn, Matthew (Brittney), Taylor (Peter), and Jordan.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Wayne Emsland, who now welcomes him with open arms.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Mountain Room at Thompson Rivers University,

Third Floor, Campus Activity Centre

1055 University Drive, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8

Keegan has been cremated, and his ashes will be spread at a later date in a place meaningful to him and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Keegan’s memory to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home, whose care and compassion brought great comfort in his final days.

Keegan’s spirit burned bright. His strength, warmth, and adventurous heart touched everyone who knew him. Though his time was short, the fire he lit in the lives of others will never go out.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

— Dr. Seuss